Deb Mell to succeed dad as 33rd Ward alderman

The family succession plan, which was widely expected, will formally unfold at this morning’s council meeting. Before then, Emanuel appeared with Rep. Mell at Horner Park to announce the switch.

During brief remarks introducing Rep. Mell, Emanuel referenced the possibility that her appointment will be seen as a case of nepotism. “Others will say what they will, but while it would not be fair to appoint Deb just because her name is Mell, it would have been equally unfair to her constituents and the city to refuse to appoint her because her last name is Deb Mell,” Emanuel said.